Fake US Marshal targets 90-year-old who knew something wasn't right

Marshals should present this badge and ID when asked. (Image: US Marshals)

KAHALA, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) -

On the evening of Feb. 12, a 90-year-old widow was alone at her modest Waialae home when a man knocked at the door.

"He said, 'I'm a U.S. Marshal and I'm here to conduct a search of your house,'" she recalled.

The man continued, "We have reason to believe that your sons received $10,000 stolen from the evidence room from the Las Vegas police department."

The woman, who didn't want her identity revealed, was hesitant but allowed the man in. At the time, she didn't know it was a scam.

"He had a document that showed my son's name and the address and down at the bottom, it was signed by a judge – something Lee. I remember the last name Lee very well...so I told him, 'Will you come inside?'" she said.

She said she's normally very savvy and aware, but this scheme seemed sophisticated.

The man didn't hurt her nor did he steal anything, but she believes he was canvassing her place to come back.

"He must have come in to see if I had any valuable things to steal or whether I had any expensive jewelry," the woman said.

Police issued a release on the incident after she reported it to authorities. Surveillance video from a neighbor's house caught the man leaving the scene.